First off, what are you up to now?
I work for a company called 3S – we handle fire suppression safety for companies who make high hazard materials. We provide equipment for companies who make things like aluminum foil where the processes are highly flammable.
I’ve bene here for seven years now and am working on becoming a certified engineer as well.
How hard was post-NFL adjustment for you?
It wasn’t hard – I tell people that I never loved football to the point where it consumed me and became who I was. When I retired it was hard because I wanted to be a cop, but my family and I talked about it and we decided it wasn’t the right path at the time. I was able to find a career path I was passionate about – that made it easy.
Who were your biggest mentors getting started in the NFL?
Jamar Chaney – I played with him in Philadelphia. He’s coaching the linebackers now for Baylor. We talked a lot and he helped me come to grips with life outside of the game. To find something outside of playing. We’re family – we love each other and our wives love each other too.
You have a pretty incredible extended football family – cousins with Myron, Antrel and Samari and also Chad Johnson. That’s an impressive group – what was behind your family being so successful in pro football?
That’s a question I’d love an answer to as well! Our family is from the Bahamas – we were a prominent name in the islands. By necessity we had to fight for what we wanted and I think that stayed in our bloodline. It was in us to try and be great and to try and be the best. My brother Myron too – though he became a better academian and brain surgeon. It’s in our lineage.
Do you go back often?
It’s funny – I’m one of the few that haven’t been back. We have so much of our family here in South Florida – I hear stories upon stories from them – I live vicariously through them. But I haven’t been back there no – shame on me!
Why did you decide to sign with the Steelers in 2013 – did they express interest during the draft process?
I worked out for a few teams before the draft but the Steelers weren’t one of those teams. In 2013 they brought me in for a workout – there were 10 guys they actually brought in. You never know with those – you do your best and hope you get a call. After the workout you sit in the waiting room – it’s like La-La Land. Then the GM and Keith Butler came in. Coach Butler told me it was a great workout and they wanted to sign me. They called my agent before – he asked what I thought and I said “Sure!”
What was the workout like?
It was like a typical agility drill. They ran the 3-4 defense – I wasn’t an outside linebacker but they had me drop from the line to test my coverage skills. It was more for a look at our conditioning I think – we had limited breaks and they had us do a number of things. I think it was more about seeing if we were in peak condition and if our mind was in the right place.
Did anyone take you under their wing – help you out when you got there?
Lawrence Timmons and Larry Foote were awesome – I never told them that in person. I watched them play growing up and watched how they carried themselves when I was there. I learned how to carry myself as a professional.
Their defense was similar to what we ran at Ohio State. The big thing they helped me with was attitude. They showed me the right attitude to have to interact with people and treat people.
How did the Steelers differ from that Eagles team you started off with?
It was light years different. You could tell why they won multiple Super Bowls. Philadelphia had great coaches and owners, but you could see, top to bottom, why Pittsburgh was so good. From the waterboys on – they had an attitude that they were winners – they’ll work hard. From the training room to the position coaches. Philadelphia you can see is on track now – they are building that now.
What experiences stand out most to you from your time there?
One funny one was in camp. Plaxico Burress had just come back and pulled a prank on J.D. Woods. J.D. was walking back from the cafeteria and had some food on his plate when Plaxico poked the food off of his plate and had him go back for more. It wasn’t mean or disrespectful – it was just a funny moment to see him have fun with the rookies. J.D. didn’t laugh at the time but we all laughed in the meeting room later.
Everyone on the team competed so hard. Le’Veon – I never played against him in college. But in practice, you could see what made him great. he practiced like he played and that made all of us better.
The offense and defense – they were so competitive in practices, day in and day out.
Lastly – like where the NFL is heading – like the direction of the league?
I tell people that the NFL is vastly different now. I love the direction of the league. Protecting the quarterbacks is big. They are keeping it tough but protecting players. I played in the CFL and you can see the CFL now is aligning its rules more to the NFL. I’m excited for the league. Growing up in Miami, I’m a Dolphins fan – been since birth. So I’m, hopeful!